The Gin of a Lifetime

Still haven’t found the gin of your dreams? Then head straight for the Mosel. Creative distillers in the region are making a name for themselves with varieties enhanced using local ingredients. From spicy to floral, there’s something for everyone.

For a long time, gin had no place on bar shelves. It had even been ousted by vodka as an ingredient in the classic Martini. The energetic Queen Mum was considered its most loyal fan.

But the juniper spirit’s dusty image has done a complete U-turn. Nowadays, the whole world is drinking gin – thanks to an enormous variety of flavours. Juniper is no longer the sole flavour-setter. Admittedly, the berries, with their distinctive aroma, are still the stars of this high-proof spirit. But alongside them, all manner of herbs, spices, fruits and other botanicals are used. So much for the idea that all spirits are the same! These so-called botanicals give every gin its unique flavour.

Anyone looking for the gin of a lifetime is guaranteed to find it at the Mosel. That’s because, in the region, more and more distillers are fuelling the trend with ingredients that grow right on their doorsteps. The result is a range of favourite juniper schnapps to suit every taste. Take, for example, the ‘Rouge Mosel Dry Gin’ from Wajos, with its juniper scent and the aroma of red vineyard peaches.

The ‘Ginheimer’ also impresses with its typical Mosel fruitiness, complemented by, amongst other things, hand-picked walnuts from the Echternacher Hof in Kinheim.

The ‘Hero Gin’ from Minheim, meanwhile, derives its superpowers from the addition of juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, lavender and two further secret botanicals – the full recipes are never revealed. The bottles, adorned with a red superhero cape, are a real eye-catcher too.

‘Harrys Waldgin’ also impresses with its local flavour. This collaborative creation by Michelin-starred chef Harald Rüssel and master distiller Hubertus Vallendar combines the flavours of eleven local herbs and forest plants from Naurath/Wald near Trier. These include juniper, spruce tips, wood sorrel and medlar. It’s not a flavour you come across every day.

The gin from the young distillery ‘Die Schmiede’ is characterised by a total of 16 ingredients. These include Riesling grapes from Europe’s steepest vineyard, the Bremmer Calmont.

The fine Rieslings from the Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken vineyard in Saarburg form the very essence of ‘Ferdinand’s Gin’. And the list of ingredients for ‘Gin Elz!’ from the Springiersbacher Hof in Ediger-Eller includes, alongside over 30 different botanicals, fresh wine blossoms from Riesling vines.

Traditionally, gin is served neat with a slice of lemon. However, it is often enjoyed as an ingredient in long drinks and cocktails. For example, in a Negroni or as a sparkling Gin Fizz. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is said to be a fan of gin mixed with Dubonnet, a type of vermouth. And the mother of the world’s longest-reigning monarch is said to have enjoyed at least one gin and tonic every day. After all, the late Queen Mum lived to the biblical age of 101... God save the gin!